Congratulations on completing your corrections and on the new addition! I've never asked but someone at the university said to me straight after my corrections were passed to get the 'Dr' title on my passport and bank details. I thought they were joking but they were serious. Not sures if it makes any real difference though.

Again, congratulations!!!

I'd imagine the PhD fees go to the University in the first instance and departments get a certain amount based on a number of factors (number of students, overheads of the department to name just two) but I wouldn't be entirely sure.

I was horrified to find out that mine were supervising about 12, at least (from what I could work out). They certainly didn't support me and I don't know how the others are doing as I largely worked from home. One of my supervisors puts themselves forward for absolutely everything and they are not put under pressure to do so. Just very obsessed with getting their name out there, in my opinion.

Don't apologise, after having read your initial post (just now) that's wonderful news to read. (up) Hope it all continues to go well.

I know, I was a bit choked at the time. Do let us know how you get on. It would be great if you could get something sorted.

No and I tried all different sources and websites and so sadly I had to kick the idea of that MSc into touch. I do think you'll struggle but admire you for trying.

Oops... I posted my response on another thread of yours - hope it helps.

I was in a similar situation a few years ago and couldn't secure any forms of funding (I wasn't prepared to take out loans though). Very honestly, I think you'll find it nearly impossible to secure funding from a sponsor or organisation and your best hope would be a current or future employer (if they could see the benefits for them). Best of luck trying though.

It's up to you but consider your financial commitments as a priority (you need food and shelter at a minimum). Could you manage after, if the three months turned out to be just that - three months? If so, you might be better to take the risk and go with the short-term contract as it may, just may open other doors but if you need security you might be best to take the permanent post while looking for longer term research work.

Take heart, it can be done. My supervisors designed the project and so it was something they wanted done, rather than a project I wanted to do. This is why I was taken aback by their lack of feedback. I think you are doing the right thing, don't be soft soaped by kind words but try to look at your work objectively, much like the examiners will. Try to form some relationships with those around you, help them a bit if necessary, as they may help give you feedback about your work further down the line. I completely isolated myself and so couldn't call on others to help. I liked the isolation in that I couldn't draw comparisons between my progress and others progress but it meant I lacked support when I could have done with it.

It was a frustrating time but I came through it, as I'm sure you will.

Sounds very like my supervisors (I've finished). I was never, ever put under pressure to produce anything for them, so I set deadlines and submitted stuff but when it was returned...eventually (usually after many months, in one case 18 months and sometimes never) the chapters most usually had a comment such as, 'this is fantastic writing' etc. Very honestly, I never received ANY criticism over the 3 years and it was just to easy as changes or suggestions were very, very rare. Quite honestly, this made me uncomfortable because I didn't (and don't) believe my stuff was read, at least not for the most part. I tried to talk to them about it but they just seemed to get upset, think I was demanding and nothing changed.

The net result was I did pass with minor corrections but the examiners flagged up much more issues with the work than my supervisors did over the course of the three years. I say minor corrections (I was given three months to do them) but they were more extensive than most on here get.

No matter what I tried (I even tried giving them deadlines to feed back to me!) I just couldn't get good feedback and so I'm not sure what the answer is but I do understand your concerns. I feel for you.

As a frustrated job seeker, I am so with you Starshine - very sorry to read that. However, at least you now know.

Best of luck! Here's hoping...